Description
A 30-minute comfort dish featuring tender chicken and penne pasta in a creamy parmesan sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. This single-skillet meal balances richness with tangy brightness from fresh basil, perfect for weeknights or weekends.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 oz penne pasta
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain
Heat olive oil in a skillet, season chicken with salt and pepper, cook until browned
Add butter to skillet, sauté garlic 1 minute, whisk in flour to form a paste
Gradually add chicken broth and cream, bringing to a simmer
Stir in Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using)
Return cooked chicken to skillet, add pasta and basil, toss to coat evenly
Notes
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor balance
Meal preps well for up to 4 days; refrigerate in airtight containers
Optional vegan adaptation: Substitute dairy with olive oil, nutritional yeast, and plant-based cream
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry/Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian-American